A total of 12 Indian states are set to collectively spend Rs 1.68 lakh crore on unconditional cash transfer (UCT) schemes for women in 2025-26, a sharp increase from just two states implementing such initiatives three years ago, according to a new report by the think tank PRS Legislative Research.

The report noted that six of these 12 states have projected a revenue deficit this year, highlighting growing fiscal pressure linked to the rapid expansion of women-focused welfare schemes.

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"Among the 12 states implementing UCT schemes, six have estimated a revenue deficit in 2025-26. However, adjusting the revenue balance to exclude spending on UCT schemes shows an improvement in fiscal indica

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